Do you grow herbs?

[Laura Hillier]

Hi everyone,

Here in the GYO office we've been discussing herbs and their many uses. They're undoubtedly extremely versatile plants! Do you have herbs in your garden or on your allotment? If you do, what's your main reason for growing them?

Your answers may be edited and published in the May issue of Grow Your Own

Laura

[veggiechicken]

I've voted Other because most herbs attract beneficial insects to the garden - and what about their scent. Can anyone pass a fennel without running their fingers through the leaves, or resist tearing off a mint leaf and wandering around sniffing it. If I could grow nothing but herbs, I would still be happy!

[KittyColdNose]

I voted other as I grow herbs for all of the first four reasons.

There is mint growing next to peas and beans, and garlic and chives with/near the carrots. Comes in handy too when I'm picking something nice for dinner.
The mainly medicinal herbs, such as feverfew and sage are in the border near the back door.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I voted culinary because that is the main purpose they are used for chez nous. according to wikipaedia, in general use, herbs are any plants used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume. I use french marigolds as companion plants particularily in my onions beds where their pungent smell certainly seems to work in keeping the onion root fly at bay

[Aberdeenplotter]

the herbs at home are grown in a redundant strawberry planter. I found the strawberries did ok for a single seasonin the planter but needed new plants and compost annually which was just too expensive to be justified and had the inspired idea of using the planter for herbs which works really well.

[VirginVegGrower]

Culinary for me as they are varieties grown for using in flavouring my cooking. However, as with any herbs the health and pest benefits go hand in hand. Must haves are rosemaries, mints, oregano (for hens), sage, basil, parsley, tarragon, marjoram, lemon balm, thymes.

[Bren In Pots]

I use herbs in cooking a sprig of thyme makes all the difference to most meals.

[helensusan]

Culinary for me as they are varieties grown for using in flavouring my cooking. However, as with any herbs the health and pest benefits go hand in hand. Must haves are rosemaries, mints, oregano (for hens), sage, basil, parsley, tarragon, marjoram, lemon balm, thymes.

Can I ask what the oregano (for hens) is about?

[VirginVegGrower]

Can I ask what the oregano (for hens) is about?

Keeps them healthy and reduces need for antibiotics according to poultry vet. I grow it in pots and pop one in for them to have a peck at now and again.

[ladylottie]

I voted culinary too as that's the main reason I grow them. However, they do attract many beneficial insects to the lottie and like a lot of other plants, have a health benefit too.
I just can't resist running my hands through the plants as I go past just to enjoy the fabulous aromas they give off Gives you a feel good feeling!

[carolineholding]

There should be an all of the above option, so I too voted 'other'

[Darwin.]

I had been growing herbs in window boxes and they did quite well, we're in a very exposed area though so the boxes got blown out of the window. I decided to grow them in the greenhouse in a hanging basket instead but that didnt suit them and they died off, I'll try again this year, I don't have dogs any more so I'll grow them in pots at the back door, I'm often too lazy to walk to the grrnhouse to get the small amount I'd need for making diner anyway.

[Verinda]

I voted culinary but now I come to think of it I also grow herbs for their beautiful flowers and scent.

[mothhawk]

I'm about half and half culinary and to attract beneficial insects, which wasn't a choice in the poll. I love the scent of all the herbs I grow, and often chew some as I work in the garden. I grow anise hyssop (agastache) just to chew but seldom use it for cooking. Bees like it, and the flowers are pretty too.

[ohbeary]

Other, Its all been said above and I agree, I have sometimes used herbs to flavour wine and anyone familiar with the effects of Mellisa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) will understand how quickly Balm Wine can send you to sleep.